Leaving the Temple of Memory, Koios was in high spirits and even more enthusiastic towards Hades.
"Brother Orphos, it seems sister Mnemosyne has a good impression of you! Your insights are truly unique," he praised.
"Next, we will visit sister Themis, who is in charge of law and order. If you can gain her approval, it will greatly help you understand the rules of Olympus."
Hades naturally 'joyfully agreed'.
The temple of Themis, the goddess of law, differed from Mnemosyne's depth and was filled with solemnity.
The temple was simple and magnificent, built from white sacred stone symbolizing the purity and inviolability of law. A huge scale phantom hung in the center of the temple, radiating the law fluctuations of balance and justice.
The goddess Themis sat upright on the main throne, dressed in a white robe symbolizing justice, a white ribbon covering her eyes.
In her hand, she held a golden scale, embodying fairness.
"Koios, and this is... Orphos, the plant god." Themis's voice was smooth and powerful, with undeniable authority. "Why have you come?"
Koios once again played the role of introducer, euphemistically expressing Hades's (Orphos's) 'concerns' and 'reflections' on the 'balance of life in the world', emphasizing that Orphos was a reliable ally who respected the laws of nature.
Themis listened in silence, her gaze always on Hades, and her questioning was more direct and intense than Mnemosyne's.
"Balance... Order..." Themis slowly repeated these two words. "Orphos, you are in charge of plants and should know that all things grow at specific times, and the alternation of withering and growth follows the law. Disorderly growth is a disaster, and excessive flourishing is a toxin. What exactly do you mean by 'balance'?"
This was a direct test of the school, and also a verification of Hades's stance.
Hades (Orphos) appeared calm, met Themis's sharp gaze, and replied in a deep voice: "Sister Themis, the balance I understand is not a rigid fixation, but a dynamic harmony, subject to inherent laws. Like the growth of plants, it must change according to the four seasons and is limited by water and soil. When it flourishes, it does not excessively consume the earth's energy; when it withers, it also returns nutrients to the source. This is the 'law' of the plant kingdom."
He paused and continued: "However, if external forces meaninglessly disrupt this internal balance, such as forcibly depleting the earth's fertility or blocking the cycle of decay and causing the accumulation of filth, this goes against the 'laws' of nature. In the long run, not only will plants be damaged, but the order of the entire earth will collapse. I believe that true order should maintain this internal and healthy law of balance in all things, rather than forcibly imposing 'decrees' that violate the law."
His response skillfully placed the 'laws of nature' above the 'decrees of the God-King', implicitly expressing doubts about the current 'order' possibly based on Cronus's personal will, while perfectly aligning with his identity as a plant god.
A faint flicker of appreciation appeared in Themis's eyes.
As the embodiment of ancient celestial principles and laws, she valued the justice and inevitability of the law itself more than the personal power of any particular God-King.
Orphos's 'view of order', based on the laws of nature, to a certain extent aligned with her duty to uphold the fundamental laws of the world.
"Maintain internal balance... Respect the laws of nature..." Themis nodded slightly.
"It is rare for you to have such understanding. The law is not shackles, but the cornerstone ensuring the orderly functioning of the world. Whether it is the reproduction of living beings or the power of gods, they must all be within the framework of the law."
She did not directly state whether she supported or opposed anything, but the emphasis on 'law' over 'individual' in her words was itself an important signal.
"However," she said, her eyes like torches,
"Maintaining balance requires strength, but also an unwavering will. Orphos, you have this heart, but what will you do when the 'laws of nature' you cherish conflict with a more powerful 'established order'?"
This was the most direct test—of resolve and stance.
Hades (Orphos) did not hesitate for a second. He raised his hand, and in his palm appeared a seed phantom bearing the dual meanings of [Flourishing] and [Decay], cyclically moving between life and death, radiating a mysterious and balanced aura.
"If the law itself is suppressed, then upholding the law is the only 'order'," his voice was clear and firm.
"Though I am weak, I am willing to do my utmost to protect the natural path that gave birth to me. This is not rebellion, but a return to and defense of true 'order'."
At this moment, he displayed not only the gentleness of a plant god, but also an innate, inviolable principle and strength.
Themis stared at the seed phantom in his palm, then looked deeply at him again, and finally a barely perceptible relaxation appeared on her majestic face.
"Remember what you said today," she said slowly, and with that, the meeting concluded.
Leaving the Temple of Law, Koios could not hide his excitement.
He saw that both Mnemosyne and Themis had formed a rather good impression of Orphos, and one could even say they had a certain degree of recognition.
This was undoubtedly a tremendous help for him in integrating forces against Cronus.
"Excellent, brother Orphos! With the approval of our two sisters, our path will become much easier!" Koios patted Hades on the shoulder.
Hades (Orphos) also showed a 'relieved' and 'excited' smile, but his heart was cold and calm.
Through Koios's introduction, he had successfully met two key Titan goddesses and sown in their hearts seeds of interest in 'cycles', 'natural laws', and 'true order'.
This laid the foundation for securing the support, or at least understanding, of [Memory] and [Law] in the future.
At the same time, he also saw more clearly the cracks existing within the Titans—Mnemosyne's preservation of pure knowledge and records, and Themis's insistence that celestial law was above personal will—all of which were incompatible with Cronus's growing cruelty and capricious will.
"Koios... thank you for paving the way for my bridge-building," Hades looked at the proud god of growth beside him and sneered in his heart.
"You may weave the web of your ambitions as much as you like. When you think the web is helping you trap prey, you have instead become... a chess piece sowing chaos for my grand design of the Underworld."